Niël Terblanché
Namibia has officially launched its national Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), a dedicated unit aimed at bolstering the country’s digital defences amid a rising tide of cyber threats.
The minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, officiated at the launch in Windhoek on Monday.
Theofelus described the launch of NAM-CSIRT as not just a unit, but as national defence against cyber threats.
She added that the initiative embodies our commitment to safeguarding Namibia’s critical information infrastructure and ensuring the protection of our citizens’ personal data, businesses’ intellectual property, and the integrity of our public and private business operations.
According to the minister, the NAM-CSIRT will operate under the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), with initial seed funding of N$20 million already committed.
“If I had it my way, I would increase the funding 10 times over right now,” she said.
She stressed that the funding would go towards acquiring essential threat intelligence tools, infrastructure, and skilled personnel to ensure the team is properly equipped.
Theofelus warned that Namibia’s critical infrastructure—including sectors such as energy, healthcare, and financial services—is vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly as the country embraces digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“The implications of a successful cyber incident can be catastrophic. We must recognise that our infrastructure is at risk,” she said.
The minister added that the newly launched NAM-CSIRT website will serve as an operational platform offering incident reporting tools, cybersecurity best practices, and threat updates.
“It symbolises the full operationalisation of our National Cyber Incident Response Team,” Theofelus said.
She stressed the need for collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders—including government bodies, public enterprises, and the private sector—to actively collaborate with NAM-CSIRT.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Through collaboration, we can create a network of cyber resilience that will strengthen our national security,” she said
Theofelus also made a commitment to supporting legislative efforts, including the Cybercrime Bill and the Data Protection Bill, noting the emotional and financial toll cyberattacks have on Namibians.
“It erodes trust in technology. As a caring government, we are not happy when our country is under attack,” she added
Theofelus urged the nation to be vigilant, proactive, and responsible.
